If you want to sell alcohol in Scotland, you need a personal licence. This licence is essential because it allows you to be the person in charge of authorising alcohol sales in a venue, like a bar, pub, or restaurant.
Getting a personal licence is a process, but it’s straightforward if you know what to do. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what steps you need to take, who can apply, and what documents you’ll need. By the end, you’ll know everything to get your personal licence and start selling alcohol legally.
What Is a Personal Licence and Do You Need One?
In Scotland, a personal licence is required if you’re responsible for authorising the sale of alcohol in a licensed venue. This means that if you’re managing a pub, restaurant, or bar, or if you’re the person in charge of alcohol sales, you must have a personal licence.
To be clear, there are two types of licences you need:
- Premises Licence: This is for the venue itself (e.g., a pub or restaurant).
- Personal Licence: This is for the person who manages or supervises alcohol sales at the venue.
If you’re going to be the one making sure alcohol is appropriately sold, you’ll need a personal licence.
Before you begin the process of applying, it helps to know exactly what a personal licence allows you to do. This licence isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a key that gives you certain responsibilities and privileges when it comes to selling alcohol in Scotland. Whether you want to run a pub, apply for a Designated Premises Manager (DPM) role, or work in any venue where alcohol is sold, having a personal licence shows you understand how to do so legally and safely.
To make things clear, here’s a quick visual summary of what being a personal licence holder in Scotland actually means:
Who Can Apply for a Personal Licence in Scotland?
To apply for a personal licence in Scotland, there are some basic requirements you need to meet:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Training: You must complete an accredited SCPLH training course (Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders).
- DBS Check: You must pass a Disclosure Scotland (DBS) check to make sure you don’t have any serious criminal convictions.
- Right to Work: You must be legally allowed to work in the UK.
As long as you meet these basic requirements, you can move forward with applying for your personal licence.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Personal Licence
Now let’s review the steps you must follow to apply for a personal licence. It’s essential to take your time and follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Complete the SCPLH Training Course
The first step is to complete the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) course. This course will teach you all the necessary information about alcohol laws, including the rules for selling alcohol responsibly.
You can find accredited SCPLH courses online or in person. Once you finish the course, you’ll get a certificate, which you’ll need for the next steps.
Step 2: Get Your DBS (Disclosure Scotland) Check
After completing your SCPLH training, you’ll need to get a Basic Disclosure (DBS check) to ensure you have no serious criminal convictions. You can apply online.
It’s essential to apply for this check within one month of completing your training. This ensures everything is up-to-date when you submit your application.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Once you have your SCPLH certificate and DBS check, you must gather a few more documents. These are the documents you’ll need to submit with your application:
- Your SCPLH Certificate
- The Disclosure Certificate from Disclosure Scotland
- A copy of your proof of ID (like a passport or driver’s license)
- A proof of address (such as a recent utility bill)
- Right-to-Work evidence, if needed (such as your visa or work permit)
Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and precise before submitting them.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Now that you have your documents ready, it’s time to submit your application to your local Licensing Board. You will need to send them your completed application form along with your supporting documents.
You can find the right Licensing Board for your area by using the GOV.UK licensing tool.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by your local Licensing Board. The process usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks. They will check everything to make sure you’ve met all the requirements.
If your application is approved, you will receive your personal licence, and you can start authorising alcohol sales at your venue.
Need a quick summary?
If you’re looking for a faster way to remember the process, here’s a simple breakdown of the 5 steps we just went over. This makes it easier to track where you are and what’s next when applying for your personal licence.
How Long Does a Personal Licence Last?
A personal licence is valid for 10 years from the date it’s issued. After 10 years, you’ll need to renew it.
Every 5 years, you will also need to complete a refresher course to make sure you’re up-to-date on alcohol laws and regulations. This course is shorter and typically less expensive than the full SCPLH course.
